Ascension Presents | Preparing for Lent
in collaboration with Inspires
give you this riveting magnum opus...
Condensed Reflection
by James Z. Carpio
Lent can be too personal for certain people. We asked a few people what they were planning to do for this coming Lent and they were evasive and tried not to delve much into the topic. It is quite understandable because each person has a unique experience growing up in his/her own particular family and he/she have practiced traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation. Some or many Catholic men and women who studied in Catholic schools have had their own fair share of religious activities which may have included; confession, retreat, prayers e.g. the rosary and the Holy Mass, and the Religion subject.
Watching Father Mike's detailed account of his recommended ways on how to observe the Lenten Season is quite light and enlightening. We all know the three basic universal Catholic teachings on how to go about it of course, which are; prayer, fasting, and alms giving. He enumerated examples which we can follow, modify or even be creative according to our own capabilities. It is a broadminded approach that is encouraging and invigorates us to do something worthwhile this Lent. Taking into consideration for example the poor health of a specific person, he/she may just try to immerse himself/herself in meditation and prayer instead of fasting.
We are reminded that this Season we must undergo a process of purification. And through prayer, we obtain enlightenment. Essentially, we must follow Our Lord Jesus Christ. To be simply put, to become saints.
The ending of the presentation shows that saints or people who strive to be saints are happy people. They do not take themselves seriously. And modesty and humility should surface amidst the sacrifices no matter how great or small, because great saints according to Father Mike, actually fasted for the entire Lenten Season. Just imagine, forty days without much food!
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